Disclaimer: I do not own House of Anubis. It is property of Nickelodeon. I really hope Viacom gives DirecTV its channels back so I can watch House of Anubis next year. I also don't own any of the songs referenced or DirecTV.

Chapter Seven

Week Six Continued

Jerome

I suggested to Mara that in order to make Mick really jealous was to go on "fake" dates when I really just wanted to spend time with her. She wore a purple dress like the one she wore to the ball. She looked stunning. She always looks stunning.

When she came to me for our first "date" my jaw hit the floor. For the first time I was speechless. Our "fake" date was fun we went to a karaoke bar.

I am a terrible singer unlike Mara. When she sang I melted into a puddle. I was, as the owl in Bambi would say, twitterpated. I stared at her like a hungry zombie while she belted out, "I Think We're Alone Now," the 1980's Tiffany version.

So this was what dating Mara was like. It was something I could definitely get used to. Mara finished her song, everyone cheered for an encore. She pleased the crowd by finishing with a Joan Jett song.

When she sat down the waiter brought out breadsticks. Mara let me feed her. My hand accidently brushed her lips turning my legs to jelly.

Back at Anubis House we changed back into our uniforms to make our afternoon classes. After classes were over Mara posted our pics from our "date" on her profile for Mick to see.

"These are awesome, the way you're looking at me all sappy, it's almost as if you mean," said Mara.

I barely heard what she said. She had pretty hair; I liked the way it shined when the light hit it just right. She looks radiant in this light, it's almost as if she's glowing and a chorus of angels sings hallelujah.

"What?" I said snapping out of it.

"I'm saying you're a really good actor Mick is going to flip out when he sees me with you."

She still thinks I'm pretending. I must remember that. Wait a second. I could take advantage of my current situation. Is that a light bulb I see?

"There is one thing we could do to make these really convincing. I apologize in advance," I said, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Poppy

"Hello, this is Poppy. I am stalking Mara as usual. She went on a 'fake' date with my brother in order to make Mick jealous. I hope Jerome remembers that the date is not real," I said.

I watched my brother and Mara on the couches in the student lounge. Mara was uploading something on her computer. My brother was staring at her with stars in his eyes and a genuine smile on his face.

"These are awesome, the way you're looking at me all sappy, it's almost as if you mean it," said Mara.

He does mean it, look at his face. Look at him. Do it. It's written all over his face. He is head over heels.

"Subject 1 is completely besotted," I whispered, "Subject 2 thinks he's pretending. Get a clue."

Jerome just told Mara to pucker up. He is actually going to kiss her. Why don't I have my camera when I need it? It's in my locker. Maybe I can get there in time if I run.

Mara

"For what?" I asked.

Jerome is being so cool about helping me out with making Mick jealous. Joy told me not to ask him. Why did she say that? He's being such a good friend.

"Pucker up, Jaffrey," said Jerome.

"Are you sure this is necessary?" I asked.

Jerome suggested we kiss. He was right that would make Mick jealous. It felt different kissing Jerome, my fingers tingled. He was a good actor because that kiss almost felt real. My heart was beating like a humming bird. Why? I don't like Jerome. Do I?

The kiss was over quickly. We looked at the camera. I couldn't see anything because there was a big smudge.

"My finger blocked it, we're going to have to do it again," said Jerome.

I could not stop smiling at the suggestion.

"You're being so cool about this," I said. I was smiling so much my face hurt.

Jerome kissed me again. I heard the click of the camera and knew he got it right this time, but neither of us broke the kiss after he snapped the picture.

Jerome

I never thought in a million years I would kiss Mara Jaffrey, but it did it. Of course they were under false pretenses, but I will take what I can get. It did hurt a little to think that my kiss was bogus to her when it felt so real to me.

When I kissed her every part of my body tingled. My hand shook so fiercely I thought I would drop my camera. When it was over I wanted more. I was happy that my finger blocked the lens.

She said I was being "cool" about it. Maybe I was just being "cool" and maybe the kissing pictures weren't necessary, and maybe I just wanted to kiss her. The world may never know.

The second kiss tasted sweeter than the first. My insides were dancing the Dougie, my heart thudded in my chest and I was over the moon.

Eddie

"Yo, this is Eddie. I am filling for Alfie. He's off with—wait, I actually have no idea where Alfie is." Anyways, instead of stalking Jerry to find out his obvious residence in We-Love-Mara Land, I'm going for a more direct approach. Let's face it stalking is creepy.

"Hey, Jerry, what are you doing?" My lanky pal is holding his iPad and grinning like a devil, not unusual behavior from him, but still worth investigating.

"Well, Sweetie jr, if you must know I hacked Mara's account and changed her status to benefit me."

"Why?"

As if he needs to answer, even Victor knows about Jerome's MASSIVE crush on Mara.

"To faze Mick out of the picture and put me in it instead, quite literally."

He has a scary determined look in his eyes. I take a step back.

"Again, why?"

Just say it, Jerry. I want to get it on my recording of you saying it. Admitting is the first step. Well maybe not, but it's the only step I care about.

"I want to get her used to the idea of having a different boyfriend. Mick is a meathead," Jerome said.

Close enough.

"I never met him, Fabian seems to like him."

"What's Fabian have to do with Mara?"

Now is the chance to stir up a little trouble and maybe a confession.

"Fabian thinks Mara's smart and pretty, I think maybe he wants to ask her out now that's he's single. They do have a lot in common."

I'm not sure how of that was true, probably none of it. It doesn't matter; Jerome's reaction said it all.

"They have nothing in common. He's boring and she's amazing. Sure, they both like to study and are into Ancient civilizations, but that doesn't mean anything."

Oh yes it does, Jer. Yes it does.

"Well, you can't deny true love," I said, clapping Jerome on the shoulder.

That was all it took. Jerome made an excuse to leave, probably to follow Mara around and ask her if she has a crush on Fabian. He is so obvious.

Poppy

My brother was unusually happy today. I completely missed his kiss with Mara if it did happen. Why did I leave my camera in my locker? It's the first time I've seen Gerbil without Mara all day. I came over to Anubis House to see him.

We're in the living room talking. He's "helping" me with my homework, at least that's what he told Victor so I could hang out. Victor has rules about students in other houses hanging around Anubis House. I have no idea why.

"You seem really distracted," I said to my brother. I turn up the volume on my recorder and hide it in my backpack where it could still pick up our voices.

"Do I? I'm sorry, Poops," said Jerome.

"I saw you with Mara today. Why are you pretending to be her boyfriend?"

"She asked me to help her make Mick jealous," answered Jerome.

"But why did you agree to it?" I asked.

Jerome's eyebrows furrowed together as he thought his answer. I expected him to lie to me.

"I wanted to pretend to be Mara's boyfriend," he answered.

"You wanted to pretend to be her boyfriend?"

"No, I want to be her boyfriend, but this is as close as I could get. I saw an opportunity. You're too young to understand, Poppy. It's complicated."

I am not too young to understand that my brother really likes this girl—maybe he even loves her. I want him to be happy. He has always been there for me and now I want to be here for him. If pretending to date Mara makes him happy then I will have to support it.

We worked in silence for awhile. I knew it was a touchy subject. Jerome was never very good at expressing his feelings through words. Its obvious Jerome likes Mara, but either she can't see it or she chooses not to.

Mara comes in to say hi to me. I watch Jerome's face the whole time. Mara sits down to help me with a problem on my homework. Out of the corner of my eye I see Jerome staring at her. I think this ersatz relationship accelerated his feelings for her.

"Mara, could you show me how to do that equation we used in class today?" asked Jerome.

She leaned over to help Jerome. He stared at her neck, her chin, her lips, and his eyes made their way up her face. A pinkish hue set up camp on his cheeks. Mara had to show him a couple times because he wasn't paying attention. Gee, I wonder why.

"Do you get it now?" Mara asked.

"Yes," Jerome breathed. His eyes were on her neck again.

She danced out of the room. I saw Jerome adjust his collar. He sighed dreamily. I shifted in my seat.

"Oh god Anubis I love her," said Jerome.

There it is. The confession we've been waiting for. He said it. I pray my recorder got that. I can't believe it. Jerome actually confessed, now if only he'd say it to her.

If you're looking for a song to insert here, I suggest "Kiss Me" by Six Pence None the Richer or "Kissing You" by Miranda Cosgrove or "Why Don't You Love Me" by Hot Chelle Rae.

Thank you for reading. I have an idea as to how I want to end it. I don't know if I want to tie it up right away or drag it out a little longer and play with some emotions. So far it's been one sided from Jerome's angle, maybe I could throw in some Mara before I end it or keep doing this.

The shenanigans are included in what the tapes (recordings) are actually for. Yes, they do have a purpose. Thanks again for reading and I hope you continue to support this story. PS I really wanted to use the word, "Twitterpated."